The last weekend of the CFL season is upon us and I could care less. It seems some teams are guilty of that sentiment too. However, the Toronto Argonauts proved that you can dress a bunch of second stringers and win a football game as that is what they did against the Tiger-Cats on Thursday night. The Argos seemingly gift-wrapped this one for the Tabbies, but Hamilton didn't accept the gift as they not surprisingly put up a lot of points while giving up a bunch. If that team had a defense in 2012, they would have been scary. Instead, they are out!
You know that the Riders are not going to dress several regulars for their final game in Vancouver on Saturday night. Head Coach Corey Chamblin has done a lot of things that I like this year, but this move just rubs me the wrong way. If the Riders need to win to play the Stampeders, how can you not dress your number one guys. Chamblin seemingly doesn't care if the team is in Calgary or Toronto for the playoffs and if they go in through the East or West. While the team is in danger of losing four straight, they think they can turn on a switch and turn it around in the playoffs. If they lose five straight to end the season, its something that will hang with the team through the winter even though this was a team that has answered the projection of winning 8-10 games. At the start of the season, many said they would be happy if the team went 8-10, 9-9 or 10-8 after having to start from nearly ground zero. Its just the way they have done it that frustrates so many including this blogger. They could still win their final 4 and if they do set off a tremendous celebration, but what are the chances of that happening? I wouldn't make a big bet in Vegas if you know what I mean.
While I do wonder about Chamblin's thought process going into B.C, I also have to think that there would be no reason to play his regulars because it will be a nothing game. The Stampeders don't want any part of the Riders. They don't want fans coming into McMahon turning a home game into a road game as a green wave descends. If they play Edmonton, a lot of Eskimo fans will show up, but those who normally would wear green and white in Calgary when the Riders come to town will either not go or wear red and white. I just can't see Edmonton losing, but then again I didn't see Hamilton losing so lets play the game.
Before I go any further, I ask you this. Could Riders 3rd string quarterback JT O' Sullivan win a Ray Elgaard look alike contest?
I would say yes! I would also say that the rivalry between him and Eddie Johnson over their "staches" might be legendary!
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I had been on record as saying Jon Cornish would be named the CFL MOP. I may have to change that to Chad Owens. How can you ignore what he did this season?
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Dominic Picard is seen as the favourite to win the CFL's best lineman award. That award is so tough to judge in my mind, but Picard certainly has had a season in which he could be the best.
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The idea to have fans carry the Grey Cup from Varsity Stadium to Rogers Centre on the day of the game is absolutely genius. Kudos to whoever thought of that. What a tremendous way to celebrate the game.
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The Tyler Bozak "blackface" story certainly fizzled out rather quickly. Did people come to the conclusion that it was a severe over-reaction? Would this story have even made the paper had the NHL been playing.
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The gang at CTV Morning Live made me laugh the other morning. At the end of their show, they showed the legendary and iconic Wayne Mantyka getting taught how to do it "Gangnam Style". Is there nothing Mantyka can or won't do? I just want to know if the fine peeps at CTV tried to get Don Hewitt to go "Gangnam Style". If so, please put up the video.
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I was surprised to hear there is somewhat of a buzz around Toronto because of the Raptors. Why? Where did this optimism come from? The joke was they did their best Riders imitation by blowing a 4th quarter lead in their season opener. I don't see that team being 500 this year.
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I am laughing at the fact that the L-A Lakers are 0-2 and there is talk that the team should fire coach Mike Brown because of the start. If that is the case, the Cougar womens basketball team should immediately replace Dave Taylor after his team lost to the U of S on Thursday night and have now lost three times this season. Taylor isn't going anywhere and either is Brown. While the ladies team lost on Thursday in what had to be considered an upset, the mens team upset the Huskies in a game they should have won easily and ended up being a nail-biter. Methinks there will be some great basketball played at the CKHS this year. They just need a better p-a announcer when Adam Geiger isn't around. Oh wait......
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I'm looking forward to the Rams-Huskies battle on the gridiron tomorrow. With Rod in Vancouver, I will take over the host's chair on the Sportscage and we will bring it to you live from Mosaic Stadium on 620 CKRM as Scott Schultz and I set it up for you on Four Seasons Football Friday. There will be a lot of Rams talk obviously, but I have some questions over some things that have been going on with the old 96er so tune in.
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Like many others, I was deeply saddened to hear of the personal battle that former Pats captain Brandon Davidson is about to endure. The "c" word has popped up again and when it hits someone who is only 21, its like a dagger has gone through you when you hear the news. Davidson's Twitter address is @bdavy3 for those on Twitter who want to send him a positive message.
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Less than two months to Christmas is it? SIGHHHHH!!!!
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Have a great weekend. Talk to ya on the Cage at 4 and on the Touchdown Club with Michael Ball Saturday afternoon at 530. It is my understanding that Ballsy found Bobby Corman---the Rider fan that I talked about on Monday who said the game against the Argos was likely his last because of cancer. I want to hear that interview!
